News

See what unique winter programming is blooming at Filoli

WOODSIDE, CA, January 28, 2026 — The first months of the year at Filoli are full of experiences ready to be shared, inviting visitors to wander misty gardens alive with camellias, magnolias, and moss, discover Rose Wonders in The Redwoods and enjoy a full slate of seasonal programming. From Lunar New Year festivities and intimate Ballroom Performances to exclusive access tours and art workshops, Filoli offers engaging activities for curious minds of all ages, ensuring there’s no shortage of memorable ways to spend a winter’s day.

“Filoli’s winter season has an unexpected richness in beauty — mossy and green with unfurling ferns and hints of spring flowers. It is the perfect time to explore the woodland trails and visit our Rose Wonders, Thomas Dambo’s biggest Troll, who has made her new home in The Redwoods,” said Filoli President and CEO, Kara Newport. “It is a wonderful time to experience programs in the Ballroom or take an exclusive tour. And as always at Filoli, it is a uniquely engaging time to visit, to find equal measures of inspiration, connection, shared stories, and discovery in nature.” 

Filoli’s Winter Programming highlights include:

• Railroad at the Redwoods: In addition to the tiny trains winding amongst towering redwood trees, families can enjoy two new interactive experiences in Filoli’s forest, part of Filoli’s Thistlewyck transformation into the Railroad at the Redwoods:
  • The Discovery Den is a self-guided playspace for children to explore, play and learn about the natural world while engaging in self-guided activities, like a microscope and magnifying light to examine lichen and acorns, a leaf rubbing activity, a mushroom puzzle, plus fine motor and sorting activities. The space will be updated with new exploration opportunities regularly. 
  • The Ranger Station offers guests daily family activities, such as a scavenger hunt, coloring pages, nature bracelets and a Filoli Adventure Guide. Filoli staff will be present to share information and answer questions about the local wildlife and ecosystems.
  • Additionally, Rose Wonders remains open in her new permanent home among Filoli’s redwoods.
• Lunar New Year Celebrations: Filoli’s Lunar New Year programming features cultural performances, family-friendly activities and festive displays that celebrate themes of renewal, luck and tradition. Guests can enjoy Lion Dance performances, music, games and hands-on experiences, along with seasonal décor, Filoli’s Asian art collection, and symbolic floral and citrus installations throughout the Historic House. Free with General Admission tickets; reservations required for Stories in Bloom: Celebrating the Lunar New Year with Winnie Wong on Feb. 28.
• Exclusive Access Tours: Beginning February 2026, Filoli Historic House & Garden offers a limited series of exclusive behind-the-scenes tours led by its Curatorial and Horticulture teams. These intimate experiences invite guests to explore rarely seen spaces, from the Curatorial offices on the second floor of the Historic House to the Greenhouses, Potting Shed, and Renaissance garden, while gaining insider insight into the care, history, and artistry that shape the estate. Each 90-minute tour includes general admission, a complimentary beverage, and a special keepsake. Tours are offered monthly in small groups and are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets $175; members receive 10% off.
• Ballroom Performance Series: Filoli’s Ballroom hosts a series of intimate, uniquely themed concerts throughout the season. Winter highlights include Valentine’s Day Jazz with renowned artist Stella Cole, an Irish Night celebrating Filoli’s rich history with duo Devil’s Orchard, and Opera Night in partnership with Opera San José. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for these exclusive events. Tickets $85-125.
• Winter Blooms: Showstopping magnolias are about the bloom, followed shortly after by a spectacular display of thousands of spring tulips, daffodils, and rare flowers bursting with color.
  

For more information on Filoli’s Winter Programming, visit https://filoli.org/winter.  

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Editor’s Note: Hi-res images available to download here (credit: Filoli). 

About Filoli

Filoli, (Pronunciation: F ī / Lō / Lē), a historic house and world-class garden, is located just south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The modern site is situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone. Originally built as a private residence in 1917, Filoli was opened to the public in 1975 and is today, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The property is one of the finest remaining country estates of the 20th century, featuring a 54,000+ square-foot Georgian revival-style mansion, 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8-acre Gentleman’s Orchard, and hundreds of acres of natural lands, featuring six distinct ecosystems and two trail loops. Open 363 days a year, Filoli is 30 minutes from San Francisco or San Jose and 20 minutes from SFO.

Media Contact
Filoli Press Office
press@filoli.org
86 Cañada Road
Woodside, CA 94062